North America wins bid for World Cup 2026 — could Bay Area host games?

The 2026 World Cup will be held in North America, officials announced Wednesday, raising the possibility that some games could be held in the Bay Area should the beautiful game come to California.

Canada, Mexico and the United States were tapped to host the international tournament that occurs every four years and draws at least 3.43 million viewers.

Despite the U.S. team’s absence from this year’s tournament, the decision to come to North America was based on the fans, according to U.S. Soccer officials.

“Yes, you had a major impact!” said a statement signed by Steven Reed, president of Canada Soccer; Decio De Maria, president of Federación Mexicana de Fúbol Asociación; and Carlos Cordeiro, president of U.S. Soccer.

FILE-- USA forward Chris Wondolowski (17) celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against Mexico during a friendly match at University of Phoenix Stadium. On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, U.S. Soccer officials announced that North America would host the 2026 World Cup. less

FILE-- USA forward Chris Wondolowski (17) celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against Mexico during a friendly match at University of Phoenix Stadium. On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, U.S. ... more

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / Reuters

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / Reuters

Image
1of/4

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 4

FILE-- USA forward Chris Wondolowski (17) celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against Mexico during a friendly match at University of Phoenix Stadium. On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, U.S. Soccer officials announced that North America would host the 2026 World Cup. less

FILE-- USA forward Chris Wondolowski (17) celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against Mexico during a friendly match at University of Phoenix Stadium. On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, U.S. ... more

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / Reuters

North America wins bid for World Cup 2026 — could Bay Area host games?

1 / 4

Back to Gallery

“Your enthusiasm—not just for your own teams, but for teams from all over the world—helped us demonstrate to FIFA and football federations across the globe that we will be able to deliver the absolute best experience for players and fans in 2026,” the statement read.

The most likely venue for games in the Bay Area would be Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The relatively new home of the San Francisco 49ers, which opened in 2014, has also served as a popular venue for international friendlies and exhibition matches between some of the top clubs in Europe.

This year, the World Cup is being played in Russia.

Thirty-two teams will try to dethrone Germany, the 2014 winner. The first match will be between Russia and Saudi Arabia is scheduled for Thursday.